How to avoid the three-headed monster
that gobbles up mobile app projects

What’s the three-headed monster? Most mobile app development projects suffer in one, two, or three ways:

Going over budget

Missing your deadline

The “Finished” mobile app being full of bugs or simply not working as it was supposed to
(the worst of the three)

We’ve sat across the table from clients who have come to us after spending tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars on a mobile app and are no closer to getting the functionality they were originally after.

As far as Orchid’s concerned, if we deliver the mobile app late, over budget, or without all the agreed-upon functionality, then we’ve failed at our job. So how do we ensure your mobile app project will be a success?

We’ve designed wireframes of exactly how the mobile app will look and how the screens will function

We’ve gotten sign-off from you that you’re happy it’s going to meet all your requirements

Secondly, we use a practice known as ‘test-driven development’. This means as we add functionality and write new code we’re also running tests against previous code to make sure we’re not introducing any bugs into your app.

Thirdly, no mobile app development studio can promise 100% bug-free apps (if they say they can, they’re lying). That’s why we’ll always deliver the project ahead of the agreed-upon delivery date to give time for beta testing where any inconsistencies are ironed out so that the final version will be rock solid when it goes live on the App Store and Google Play.

“How much will my mobile app cost, and how long will it take to build?”

For a rough ballpark estimate we’ll need to get in touch, but please be aware that it woud be very rare for a mobile app to be scoped, designed and built for under NZ$35,000. Although once we understand what you are trying to accomplish we may be able to suggest a cheaper solution.

Want to chat to the friendly team about your app? Give us a call (09-950-3824) or fill in the form at the bottom of this page.

Discovery & Roadmapping

We also look at who your end users will be in order to identify what the most important features are, and what’s just a “nice to have”.

Mobile App Design & Planning

Based on ongoing discussions and brainstorming, we’ll plan and estimate the details of your project so that we know exactly what’s involved. We’ll design your wireframes as part of an iterative process (taking feedback from you and revising accordingly), and once complete we will be able to give you an accurate estimate for the actual development cost for Phase 1.

Mobile App Development

Time to turn your idea into reality! To build your new mobile app we’ll be using agile development principles, which means instead of having to wait months to see progress, you’ll have the first release out in a matter of weeks.

Every 2 to 4 weeks you’ll continue seeing updated versions of the app with new working functionality added that you can use and give feedback on.

Ongoing Optimisation

All software needs maintaining, tweaking and improving beyond the initial launch. Based on analysing real usage of your mobile app, we’ll help you identify what areas can be further improved and optimised, or what functionality may be missing.

Remember those enhancements we decided to leave out of the first version? This is when those features can be relooked and possibly added in.

Some of our recent projects

Purpose-built app that automates and tracks the documentation submission and approval process for the construction industry.

Modern construction projects are becoming more complex, with an ever-increasing demand for transparency and reporting, and the need to maintain competitiveness through efficiency.

Supersub is our purpose-built software system to automate and track the completion, documentation, submission and approval process on your construction project, and store these important documents for easy, convenient, future reference.

iPad app design and development

Auckland Live, part of Regional Facilities Auckland, commissioned Orchid to build digital signage for Digital Art Live, a permanent programme showcasing interactive art works created by local and international artists. The interactive kiosk has been located on Level 2 of the Aotea Centre in Auckland’s CBD up until 2017.

Digital Art Live is an initiative created by Colab (AUT University’s creative technologies research centre) and Auckland Live (part of Regional Facilities Auckland)

Orchid provided accessible and reliable solutions for Auckland Live to communicate with our audiences. Orchid’s ability to react quickly and in a timely manner to challenges or changes has been invaluable”

Nolwenn Lacire
DIGITAL ART LIVE, PROGRAMME DEVELOPER

iPad app & Web application that guides students of all levels through the process of analysing and understanding a Bible passage more deeply.

Homiletics is a method of Bible study that helps anyone analyse and study a Bible passage in preparation for teaching it to others. The Homiletics web application and iPad app was designed from the ground up, to be intuitive, making it easy for students of any level to learn the method without any prior instruction.

What If You Could Have Your Own Technical Partner, Not Just Another Developer?

With Orchid as your software development partner you can expect:

Strict adherence to your timelines/delivery dates.

Constant communication throughout the project as well as after the
project’s completed.

Careful attention to detail, so that what you’re expecting is what’s delivered.

Full support by phone or email whenever you need it,
including 24×7 emergency support.

But most importantly we'll be on your team. When you need to call us,
we'll answer, and talk with you as easily as talking with your workmate opposite you.

*Unless, of course, you’ve got a beef with that particular workmate, in that case it’d be a bad example!